Hestler flattens Wheelup record

115 riders take part in 11th annual race

The annual West Side Wheel Up took place on Saturday with near perfect conditions, and on a slightly longer course because of some erosion on the regular trails.

Despite the added length, riders were faster than ever, with former World Cup racer Andreas Hestler beating the previous record by several minutes. Hestler, a past national champion, is still ranked among the top riders in Canada, and is hoping to win all three Whistler fall events  West Side Wheel Up, Samurai of Singletrack and Cheakamus Challenge.

But while Hestler took the win with his time of one hour and 15 seconds, he didnt go unchallenged. Greg Grant came closest, finishing just 18.84 back of Hestler in 1:00:34. Dave Burch was also in the running, finishing just off the pace in 1:02:20.

Joanna Harrington was the top woman in the race, taking a few hours off work to complete the course in 1:19:41. Cathy Zeglinski was a close second in 1:21:18, while Brandi Heisterman was third in 1:21:28.

"We did pretty well," said Phil Chew, who organizes the event as a tribute to race founder Lester Claire and as a fundraiser for the B.C. Disabled Ski Team. "I dont know how much money we raised just yet but it should be about the same as last year.

"The important thing is that people had fun, they really enjoyed the course and it was a great party. The sponsors were really generous this year."

Kent Wills, a former speed skier, won the 2005-06 ski pass donated by Whistler-Blackcomb.

Chew thanked Dave and Karen Kaye for catering the event, all of the volunteers on course, Andrea and Stephanie for selling raffle tickets and Keith Bennett, once again, for timing the race.